February 2nd is World Wetlands Day, and to mark the occasion, we have a special video to show you. Visitors to maskihkîy meskanaw - Glory Hills are often greeted by logs across the trails, particularly close to the lake. Even without felled trees, the telltale bite marks on stumps point to the presence of a very special animal: the beaver!
Conservation Land Steward Steve Matheson caught some excellent footage of the resident beavers last year, which you can view below.
Beavers are crucial to wetlands, and this is especially true in the Parkland ecoregion of Alberta, where Edmonton is located. Wildlife of all shapes and sizes benefit from the abundant water bolstered by the efforts of beavers, and in addition to being good for wildlife, wetlands also massively reduce the risk wildfires pose to natural areas - and increasing concern in modern times for wildlife and humans alike.
So, this World Wetlands Day, thank a beaver! They might just be responsible for a wetland near you.
Special thanks to Steve Matheson for the delightful beaver footage!